island


Culture, cuisine, royalty and romance – Cyprus offers more than beaches, finds Russell Higham


t travelweekly.co.uk


he world has been falling in love with Cyprus for thousands of years. Mythological birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess


of love and beauty, this sun-kissed island was given to Cleopatra by her lover Mark Antony because its sweet wine was said to remind him of the taste of her lips. Since then, generations of holidaymakers have been similarly smitten with its golden coastline, guaranteed warmth and the friendly welcome from the islanders – tourist arrivals rose 12% in 2025 compared with the previous year. My love affair with Cyprus began in Limassol, the


country’s second-largest city after capital Nicosia. Its seaside promenade extends for two miles and connects the buzzy bars and restaurants around Limassol marina to the old harbour, where fishing boats ply their trade. Here, clients will find authentic tavernas serving


local specialities such as sheftalia (spicy sausage), afelia (marinated pork) and, of course, halloumi.


DESTINATIONS CYPRUS | GREECE, CYPRUS & BALKANS


BACK TO THE FUTURE Proud locals have nicknamed Limassol ‘the new Dubai’ for the futuristic glass-and-steel structures springing up along its shoreline. However, my guide, Myria Stasoulli, wanted to show me some of the fascinating history that draws travellers to the hills outside the city. The first stop was Kourion, the remains of an


ancient city with a magnificent amphitheatre that once held up to 3,000 spectators and has now been partially restored. “The amphitheatre regularly stages concerts, plays and shows — including Greek comedies and dramas — just as it did in the second century BC,” Myria explained. From there, it’s a short drive to Kolossi Castle, which was built in the 13th century by the Grand Commandery of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, a group of religious Crusaders who had set up camp in Cyprus. They took over ²


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